Prairie State Wire

One of the premier events in shooting sports returns to Illinois from July 31 through August 10 with the annual Amateur Trapshooting Association's Grand American Trapshooting Championships at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta.

The Grand American has been hosted at the 1,600-acre WSRC since 2006. The largest and oldest shooting event of its kind, the Grand American features more than 20 events and attracts over 5,000 competitors and spectators from across the globe annually. The event, which was first hosted at the World Shooting Complex in 2006, has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Grand American competitors, spectators, vendors, and sponsors back to Illinois again this year," said Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which operates the WSRC. "The World Shooting and Recreational Complex is the finest world-class shooting sports facility in the world, and it's an honor to host the Grand American."

This is the 125th year for the Grand American. A full schedule of events and more information about the Amateur Trapshooting Association can be found online.

The WSRC offers 120 trap houses stretching 3.5 miles, two sporting clays courses, 24 combination trap and skeet fields, and cowboy action shooting. It also features more than 1,000 camping sites, excellent fishing opportunities, a full-service restaurant, and meeting and event space. Visit the WSRC's newly redesigned website for more information about recreation, dining, and event-hosting capabilities at the facility.